Grants of up to $200,000 to empower local stakeholders and industries across Queensland to identify and address workforce needs through collaborative and locally driven solutions.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Grow Your Own Regional Workforce?
The Grow Your Own Regional Workforce Program is a key initiative under the Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 (QWS). It aims to empower local stakeholders and industries across Queensland to identify and address workforce needs through collaborative and locally driven solutions. Administered by Jobs Queensland through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT), the program supports regional and industry-led workforce planning and development initiatives.
GYORW level of support
The GYO program offers three distinct funding options for eligible applicants:
Industry-led Workforce Planning
- Funding Available: $15,000 – $200,000
- Timeline: 12 months
- Description: For regions and industries confident in leading their own workforce planning projects.
Mentored Approach to Workforce Planning
- Funding Available: $15,000 – $150,000
- Timeline: 12 months
- Description: For those needing mentoring support from Jobs Queensland in workforce planning activities.
Action-Based Projects
- Funding Available: $15,000 – $200,000
- Timeline: 12 months
- Description: For implementing action-based initiatives to address identified workforce challenges.
GYORW important dates
- This is closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
GYORW objectives
The program aims to:
- Identify workforce issues, risks, and opportunities in local industries and regions.
- Cultivate locally-led workforce planning capabilities through regional partnerships.
- Provide adaptable solutions to address local workforce challenges, ensuring employers can attract, retain, and skill their local workforce to meet current and future demands.
Projects eligible for GYORW support
Eligible projects include those that:
- Develop and deliver industry-led workforce planning and initiatives.
- Establish partnerships to support workforce plan development or action-based activities.
- Focus on key growth or employing industries within a region.
- Address specific workforce challenges identified in existing workforce plans.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for GYORW support.
Other GYORW important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for GYORW support
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be a recognised industry representative or collective group.
- Be linked to an eligible strategic or industry workforce plan (for option 3).
- Be financially sound and have relevant insurances.
- Not be insolvent or have undischarged bankrupt owners/directors.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
GYORW assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Compliance with eligibility criteria.
- Competitiveness and alignment with program guidelines.
- Demonstrated ability to attract, retain, and skill their local industry/region.
- Cultivation of locally-led workforce planning capabilities.
- Value for money.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the GYORW?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the GYORW application
Applicants should:
- Read the key documents including guidelines, terms and conditions, and FAQs.
- Ensure their Australian Business Register profile is up to date.
- Prepare a comprehensive application with all required supporting evidence.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the GYORW
Interested applicants must submit a full application through the DESBT SmartyGrants Portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
GYORW resources
I need help applying for grants
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